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Barrhead Travel Celebrate Official Opening of Third Retail Location
Dublin Airport Welcomes Green Light for Aircraft Observation Facility
BARRHEAD Travel has celebrated the official opening of its third retail location in Northern Ireland located in Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon. Back in September, the Barrhead Travel Rushmere Branch opened it’s doors in a soft launch, ahead of the official opening this morning (Tuesday 4th November 2025.)
Jaqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead
Travel Group, and Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, Managing Director of Barrhead Travel Group, were in attendance to officially welcome the team, headed by Store Manager Emma Black, and new store to the brand’s portfolio. Catherine Finlan, Head of Sales England
& Ireland, and Lisa Hamill, Regional Sales Manager for Northern Ireland were also in attendance to mark the occasion, alongside 9 suppliers from the travel trade. Currently celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, the Barrhead Travel Group has experienced key growth within the NI Market. The £1.1m store investment in Rushmere Shopping Centre reinforces Barrhead Travel’s commitment to the region as it prioritises a “contemporary” retail experience in high footfall shopping areas. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell highlighted, “Northern Ireland is presenting us with real opportunity to grow our retail footprint. Rushmere will complement our existing network in the region, strengthening our brand presence even further as we look to progress with further expansion. “Our Northern Ireland teams have a
loyal client following as people seek the services of an agent they truly trust. The ongoing demand for an agent is on the rise as holidaymakers prioritise getting value- for-money, expert advice, and guaranteed financial protection.” The Rushmere store becomes Barrhead Travel’s fourth Northern Ireland location alongside retail stores in Belfast and Newtownabbey as well as a call centre in Coleraine.
EasyJet Launches New Route to Popular UK City from Belfast
Virgin Atlantic Launches Direct Flights Between UK and Thailand VIRGIN
EASYJET have announced the launch of a brand flight to one of the UK’s most popular cities from Belfast City Airport. The new route will aim to strengthen domestic connectivity and serves the increasing demand for travel between Northern Ireland and key cities across the UK. The first flight to Edinburgh took off on 26 October and will operate five times a week every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager,
said: “We are delighted to celebrate the launch of
Atlantic
has announced it is launching new services between
London
Heathrow and Phuket. Taking off for Winter
2026, the flight will connect
sunshine
seekers with Thailand’s beaches and vibrant nightlife. The three times
a week service will operate seasonally from 18th October 2026, as the only direct
route from London Heathrow to Phuket. These new flights to Thailand boost Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic
winter sun portfolio, complementing the airline’s
seasonal
services to Cancun which launched on 19th October 2025, as well as The Maldives, Dubai, Cape Town and year-round Caribbean options.
Holidays’
our new service from Belfast City to Edinburgh, providing even more choice for our business and leisure customers alike. “As the largest airline in Northern Ireland, we are proud to offer great value fares and convenient connections for our customers looking to explore the fantastic experiences Scotland has to offer.” Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “easyJet’s new Edinburgh service further strengthens our domestic offering and provides passengers with even more choice when flying from Belfast City Airport. “Launching ahead of Christmas, this route is perfectly timed for those planning a festive trip, while providing more opportunities for short breaks, family visits, or seasonal travel.”
JET2.COM and Jet2holidays are unlocking the sunshine for Summer 2027 today (Wednesday 15th October) after putting their Summer Sun programme on sale from Belfast International Airport, meaning customers and independent travel agents can book early. With flights and holidays
to 21 sun and leisure city destinations across the Canaries, Balearics, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Cyprus and Portugal available to book from today, customers in Northern Ireland can look ahead and get their well-deserved summer break secured. In response to continued demand,
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have increased their capacity to Palma (Majorca) from Belfast International
Airport, meaning daily services are
now available to the popular destination during Summer 2027. The unrivalled programme represents over 600,000 seats on sale and more than 50 departing weekly flights from Belfast International Airport during peak periods, offering plenty of choice and flexibility to customers and independent travel agents when it comes to booking some summer sun. The release of the programme today means that the companies are the first airline and tour operator to make Summer 2027 available to book, as many customers look to lock the sunshine in nice and early. Early bookers can get Summer 2027 sorted with a low £60 per person deposit and then spread the cost through interest-free monthly payments.
DUBLIN Airport has welcomed a decision which grants permission for the new Aircraft Observation Facility to be built at the airport. This follows St. Margaret’s The Ward (SMTW)’s appeal against Fingal County Council’s earlier approval. The DAA believe the new facility will be a ‘game-changer’
for across plane
spotters and aviation enthusiasts
the region.
“The Mound” has been an informal gathering point for many over the years to watch aircraft arriving and departing Dublin Airport. The upgraded observation area
will provide a safe and accessible space with sheltered viewing, seating,
dedicated parking
(including PRM and family spaces), and bike parking, with clear views of both the south and cross-wind runways. The facility will also be free-to-access,
with lighting
powered by on-site solar. Commenting on today’s decision,
Kenny Jacobs, daa Chief Executive, said:
“This is good news for local families and the many aviation fans who love watching aircraft at Dublin Airport. The new, free-to-access viewing area will be safer, more comfortable and more accessible, with clear views of both runways. Once we’ve worked through the planning conditions, we’ll progress delivery, fully funded by daa, and keep the community updated on timelines so people can enjoy a proper plane-spotting experience at ‘The Mound’ for years to come.”
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ Summer 2027 Programme from Belfast Now on Sale!
November/December 2025
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